Craftsman 917249791 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRIIFTSMI N°J

GRASS CATCHER

42" Mower

Model No.

917.249791

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions

before operating this

equipment.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Customer Responsibilities

• Repair Parts

SAFETY RULES

& Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers &

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH,
I. GENERAL OPERATION

Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual
and on the machine before starting.

Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the machine.

Clear the area of objectssuch as rocks,toys,wire, etc., which
could be picked up an_dthrown ..bYthe blade.
Be sureih'e-area isclear of other people before mowing. Stop
machine .if.anyone enters the.area.

Never carry passengers. ......

Do n_ mo_; Jn_rev'erse-unlessabsolutely necessary. Always
look down and__befdre and while backing.

Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point
it at anyone:_Do not_operate the -mower without either the

entire grass catcher or the guard.in place,

Slow down before tu-rning:....

Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off

blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting.

Turn off blades when not mowing.

Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging

chute.

Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate the machine while under the influence of

alcohol or drugs.
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.

Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck.

Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are
involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related

injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to
operate the ridingmower safelyenough toprotectthemselves

and others from serious injury.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up

which can touch hotexhaust / engine parts and bum. Do not
allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris which

can cause build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage
before operating or storing the machine. Allow machine to

cool before storage.

II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover

accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. Ifyou cannot back upthe slope or ifyou feel

uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:

Mow up and down slopes, not across.

Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will nothave
to stop or shift while on the slope.

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel

weights or counterweights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.

These can change the stability of the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes slowand gradual Do not

make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,

disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the
slope.

DO NOT:

• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn

slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The

mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge
of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause

sliding.

• Donottrytostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfootonthe

ground.

• DO not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
IlL CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted tothe machine

and the mowing activity. Neverassume that children will remain
where you last saw them.

• Keep children out ofthe mowing area and under the watchful

care of another responsible adult.
Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
Before and when backing, look behind and down for small

children.

• Never carry children. They may fall oft and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

• Never allow children to operate the machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind comers, shrubs,

trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They

are flammable and vapors are explosive.

Use only an approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine

running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not

smoke.

Never refuel the machine indoors.
Never store the machine or fuel container inside where

there is an open flame, such as a water heater.

Never run a machine inside a closed area.
Keep nutsand bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight

and keep equipment in good condition.

Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.

Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debits build-up.

Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.

Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

Never make adjustments or repairswith the engine running.

Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage,
and deterioration, which could expose moving parts orallow

objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and

replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when
necessary.

Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or

wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as

required.

2

SAFETY RULES

& Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers &

Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

Never carry passengers or children even with the blades
off.

Do not mow inreverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing.

Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

Keep children out of the mowing area and under the

watchful care of another responsible adult.

Be alert and rum machine off if children enter the area.
Before and when backing, look behind and down for small

children.
Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.

Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

Use slow speed. Choose a low gear sothat you willnothave

to stop or shift while on the slope.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,

disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down

the slope.

If machine stops while going uphill,disengage blades, shift

into reverse and back down slowly.
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn

slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

&

Look for this symbolto point out impor-

tant safety precautions. It means CAU-
TION!It BECOME ALERTI!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill in
neutral, you may lose control of the

tractor.

CAUTION: Tow only the attachments
that ara recommended byand comply
with specifications ofthe manufactu-

rer of your tractor. Use common

sensewhen towing. Operate onlyat
the lowest possible speed when on a

slope. Too heavy of a load, while on
a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose
traction with the ground and cause
you to lose control of your tractor.

CAUTION: In order to prevent

accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making

repairs, always disconnect sperk plug

wire and place wire where it cannot

contact spark plug.

CONGRATULATIONS onyour purchase of a new Grass Catcher. Ithasbeen designed, engineered and manufactured togive
you the best possibledependability and performance.

Should you experience any problems you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center/
department. They have competent, well trained technicians and the proper toolsto service or repair this unit.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructionswill enable youto assemble and maintain your Grass Catcher properly.

Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

SAFETY RULES ........................................................ 2-3

ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 5-8

OPERATION .................................................................. 9

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES .............................. 10

STORAGE ................................................................... 10

WARRANTY ................................................................ 10

REPAIR PARTS ...................................................... 12-13

KNOW YOUR GRASS CATCHER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATING YOUR GRASS
CATCH ER. Compare the illustrations with the carton contents to familiadze yourself with the parts before starting the assembly.

Study the operating instructions and safety precautions thoroughly to insure proper functioning of your Grass Catcher and to
prevent injury to yourself and others. Save this manual for future reference.

UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

• Remove all parts and packing materials from carton.

• Check carton contents against list. Besureallpartsare
there.

CARTON CONTENTS:

(2) ContainerTops
(2) Container Bottoms
(1) Upper Chute
(1) LowerChute

PARTS IDENTIFICATION

(1) Support Assembly
(1) Cover Assembly

(4) Shoulder Bolts

COVER

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

(1) 9/16" Wrench

(4) Shoulder Bolts 5/16 - 18 Self Tapping

UPPER CHUTE

FULL

INDICATOR

LATCH

GRASS
CATCHER

CONTAINERS

LOWER CHUTE

NOTE: When right hand (R.H.) and left hand (L.H.) are mentioned in this manual, itmeans when you are seated on the tractor,

in the operator's position.

CAUTION: BEFORE ASSEMBLING GRASS CATCHER TO TRACTOR:

Place gearshift/motion control lever in neutral (N) position.
Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position.

i epress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake.

A

Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key.

Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and placewire whereit cannot come in contact with
plug.

LOWER CHUTE
ATTACHING

STRAPS

BAGGER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

(See Figs. 1A & 1B)

NOTE: If your tractor already has four (4) shoulder bolts
installed on the rear drawbar, simply hang the support
assembly on the bolts. Discard the four (4) shoulder bolts
supplied and go on to Step 2 instructions.

SHOULDER
BOLTS

FIG. 1A

Ifyourtractor does nothave four (4) shoulder bolts installed
on the drawbar, follow the instructionsbelow.

1. Using the four formed holes inthe drawbar, installthe
four shoulder bolts as shown and tighten securely.

2. Hang the support assembly on the bolts.

MOUNTING COVER ASSEMBLY TO

SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 2)

NOTE: For ease of assembly, you may wish to obtain the
assistance ofanother person for mounting cover assembly

to tractor.

1. Position cover assembly on ground behind tractor as

shown.

2. Liftand rotate cover to align cover bracket withsupport

assembly.

3. Slide cover assembly down ontothe supportassembly.

COVER
ASSEMBLY

SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY

SUPPORT LF
ASSEMBLY _ l _ TAPPING

SHOULDER
BOLTS

FIG. 1B

TO REMOVETHE SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. lC)

1. Pulloutward onthestop bracket enough toallow support

assembly to be lifted up and away from drawbar.

PULL OUT ON STOP BRACKET TO
REMOVE SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

FIG. lC 5

FIG. 2